In today’s digital world, young entrepreneurs aren’t just building apps or platforms—they’re reshaping how people find work, gain skills, and create opportunities for themselves and others.
That’s exactly what #HackTheDivide is all about: giving Africa’s brightest digital innovators the chance to take their ideas to the next level.
The journey begins with a two-day hackathon in Nairobi and continues with incubation support in Italy.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to young innovators aged 18–35 living in the following African countries:
Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Whether you’re already developing solutions that help people gain skills, access better jobs, or grow their businesses—or working in fields like education, fintech, migration, data innovation, or digital inclusion—you’re encouraged to apply.
What Organizers Are Looking For
Selection is based on two main things:
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Relevant experience: You or your startup should be tackling at least one of the hackathon’s focus areas.
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Commitment to inclusion: Your work should aim to open doors for underrepresented groups and expand access to opportunities.
The Six Big Themes
#HackTheDivide focuses on six priority areas where digital innovation can truly shape the future of work and opportunity in Africa:
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TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) and youth employment
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Labour mobility and migration
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Entrepreneurship and business development
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Artificial Intelligence for the public good
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Gender equality, inclusion, and transition to formal work
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Local innovation and governance
These themes come from shared priorities among governments, social partners, training institutions, and local authorities, making them directly relevant to Africa’s economic and social future.
What You’ll Gain
Selected participants won’t just attend a hackathon—they’ll experience a unique growth journey:
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Collaborate in Nairobi: Spend two days in diverse teams, guided by expert mentors.
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Global exposure: Interact with international institutions and policy leaders shaping Africa’s digital future.
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Full coverage: Travel, accommodation, and meals are fully funded.
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Spotlight opportunity: Present your solution during the live global broadcast Skills for Fair Digital Transitions in Africa from Turin, Italy.
The Final Challenge
At the end of the hackathon, teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of experts.
The winning team will be chosen based on the quality, relevance, and potential of their solution.
A Chance to Grow in Italy
The winning team will receive a tailored incubation program with I3P, the world’s first public incubator at the Politecnico di Torino.
This includes:
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A fully funded trip to Italy
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Personalized mentorship to refine your solution
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Access to Italy’s vibrant and world-leading innovation ecosystem
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
This is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad. You’ll:
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Build solutions that matter with support from global mentors
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Connect with like-minded innovators from 25 African countries
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Step into the international spotlight with decision-makers in Italy
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Take your idea to Europe’s top tech incubator
Deadline and How to Apply
The deadline to apply is September 7, 2025.
Click HERE to submit your application and be part of shaping Africa’s digital future.
